USGS HVO Volcanic Activity Notice — Increased earthquake activity and ground deformation at Kīlauea summit

HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice 

Volcanic Activity Summary: Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. Increased earthquake activity and changes in the patterns of ground deformation at Kīlauea’s summit began occurring as of approximately noon on September 29, 2021, indicating movement of magma in the subsurface. At this time, it is not possible to say with certainty if this activity will lead to an eruption -- the activity may remain below ground, as occurred in August 2021 and early December 2020 (two weeks prior to the December 2020 - May 2021 summit eruption), when magma intruded beneath the caldera but did not erupt. However, an eruption in Kīlauea’s summit region, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and away from infrastructure, is one potential outcome.The US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is raising the volcano alert level/aviation color code for Kīlauea from Advisory/Yellow to Watch/Orange due to this activity. HVO will continue to monitor this activity closely and adjust the alert level accordingly. HVO is in constant communication with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as this situation evolves. The activity is confined entirely within the park. Stay informed about Kīlauea by following volcano updates and tracking current monitoring data on the HVO web page (https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates) or by signing up to receive updates by email at this site: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/.

HVO scientists will continue to monitor Kīlauea volcano closely and will issue additional messages as warranted by changing activity. Stay informed about Kīlauea by following volcano updates and tracking current monitoring data on the HVO web page (https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates) or by signing up to receive updates by email at this site: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/. More Information:Kīlauea activity summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862Kīlauea webcam images: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/webcamsKīlauea photos/video: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/photo-video-chronologyKīlauea lava-flow maps: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/mapsKīlauea FAQs: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/faqs

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) continues to closely monitor Kīlauea's seismicity, deformation, and gas emissions for any changes in activity. HVO will now issue weekly Kīlauea updates on Tuesdays until further notice. Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/earthquakesExplanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards/about-alert-levels